Information on IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and IBS Treatment - Dirk Budka
 
 
Therapy360.co.uk forum - it's our community
|
     
 
Treatments

TREATMENT DIFFICULTIES: SO MANY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH GUT IMBALANCES

MEDICATION USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF IBS

NATURAL TREATMENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF IBS

IBS AS AN "UMBRELLA TERM" FOR SEVERAL OTHER DISEASES

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH GUT IMBALANCES

Undesirable changes in bowel movements
Signs of malabsorption such as floating, bulky, foul smelling stools
Belching, bloating, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, cramping
Blood or mucus in stool, tarry stool, stool colour changes
Anal itching
Halitosis, food allergies and intolerances
Auto-immune illness, immuno-deficiencies
Symptoms of chronic infections
Skin conditions such as acne or eczema
Anxiety, depression
Arthritis, joint pain, rheumatoid diseases, osteroarthritis
Asthma, hayfever
PMS symptoms, menstrual problems
Weight gain or loss
Endocrine or neurological imbalances
Fungal infections
Glucose intolerance, slow metabolism, hypoglycaemia
Cholesterol and triglyceride imbalances
Anaemia, vitamin or mineral deficiencies
Cancer risk

Because of the wide range of signs and symptoms, success rates of conventional and complimentary medication is extremely low. A clear diagnosis before medication is therefore very important. The patient has to make sure that all involved practitioners/therapists work together: The GP, the Gastroenterologist, the Nutritionist, and the lab experts for Microbiology and Allergology


MEDICATION USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF IBS
(success rates are extremely low and only target the symptoms)
_______________________________________________________________


Medication: Antispasmodics, Anticholinergics,
(dicyclomine, hyocyiamine)
Predominant Symptom: abdominal pain
Comment: non-prophylacic, only used with onset of pain


Medication: (plus) Antidepressant
(amytriptyline)
Predominant Symptom: severe abdominal pain
Comment: not to be taken as needed, but daily

Medication: Antidepressant or anti-anxiolytics
Predominant Symptom: Comorbid depression or anxiety
Comment: very questionable

Medication: Simethicones
Predominant Symptom: Gas or bloating
Comment: anecdotal evidene only

Medication: High fibre
Predominant Symptom: constipation
Comment: may worsen the bloating

Medication: Osmotic laxatives (lactulose
or polyethylene glycol)
Predominant Symptom: constipation
Comment: very questionable

Medication: Loperamide (Imodium)
Predominant Symptom: diarrhoea
Comment: use as needed or prophylactic at high stress levels


NATURAL TREATMENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF IBS
______________________________________________________

Colonic Hydrotherapy - only helpful once IBS-RS is clearly diagnosed. Otherwise it can be dangerous.

Peppermint oil capsules - Very often used and well-known as IBS-pain-relieve. But different trials and double-blind trials are very contradictory. These capsules are contraindicated in patients with the comorbidity of gastrooesopheal reflux disease (GERD).

Probiotics (so called “friendly bacteria”) - Trials and double blind trials had different results: from significantly reduced intestinal gas to no relief whatsoever. (Most studies used Lactobacillus plantarum).

Flaxseed - Shows some improvement concerning bloating and abdominal pain.

Psyllium seeds - Showed no positive results in tests.

Chinese Herbal Medicine - Most double-blind trials and/or placebo & one-size-fits-all herbal remedy showed abysmal results. Reason: Without accurate diagnosis even the best herb IS not very useful ...

Acupuncture – In general, acupuncture is very useful in pain relief. But some studies far failed to show it effective. For example, a 13-week study of 60 people with irritable bowel syndrome found fake acupuncture just as beneficial as traditional acupuncture. Again: One of the main problems is the inaccurate diagosis.

Gut specific hypnotherapy - Shows some remarkable benefits when used together with elimination/exclusion diets.


A high fibre intake is often recommended and was for a long time the first and only treatment for IBS. But it can have its downsides because some patients will get worse! The typical first advice from GPs, nutritionists and dietician for IBS sufferers is:

-
four daily servings of the following: brown or wholemeal breads, high fibre cereals, legumes, rice pasta.
-
three servings of dairy products
-
2-3 pieces of fruit (minimum)
-
five servings of vegetables
-
maximum one serving of meat, cheese, fish
-
eight glasses of water (incl. some teas and/or juices)

This “one-fits-all” approach is not very successful or helpful for IBS sufferers. They do not need to see a therapist and pay a lot of money just to receive a general advice. This is as helpful as following a diet-book for weight loss. The long-term success-rates are abysmal.

Natural treatment is by far the better option ONCE THE DISEASE IS PROPPER DIAGNOSED!


IBS AS AN "UMBRELLA TERM" FOR SEVSERAL OTHER DISEASES

Very often the diagnosis "You have IBS" is used instead of the words "I don't know what it is, so let us call it IBS".
Very rarely is there an investigation for
  • Increased Gut Fermentation
  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO/SBBO)
  • Post Food Poisoning Syndrome (PFPS)
  • Hidden allergies, intolerances and other immune-responses